Hope China sees logic in India's entry into NSG, says MEA

New Delhi: As a crucial meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group next week in Vienna is set to deliberate on admitting non-NPT members, India on Thursday hoped China will see the "logic" in its entry into the 48-nation grouping.

When asked about the upcoming NSG meeting, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said it was for members of the grouping to take a call on India's application.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Xi Jinping. Reuters

NSG special envoy Rafael Grossi is likely to place a proposal for admitting non-NPT members into the bloc during the grouping's meeting in Vienna on 11 to 12 November.

"It is not really for us to comment as we are not inside the room. However, after the NSG Plenary in Seoul we have had continued conversations with NSG members and remain engaged in the process. We have lodged our application. Now it is for the NSG members to consider it and take a decision," Swarup said.

Asked about China's position on India's membership bid, he said both sides had "fruitful talks" recently and hoped that China will eventually support India's bid.

Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security) Amandeep Singh Gill and his Chinese counterpart Wang Qun had held talks on the NSG issue in Beijing last week. After the talks, China had said it will first find a solution that applies to all non-NPT countries seeking entry into NSG and will then discuss India's application.

"As fas as Chinese position is concerned, as you know we had second round of fruitful talks between the head of our disarmament and international security affairs division and Chinese lead negotiator on the NSG issue.

"Both sides have very freely and frankly discussed their positions and had agreed to continue the engagement. So we remain hopeful that eventually China will see the logic of India being inside the NSG which ultimately benefit the global non-proliferation regime," Swarup said.

Asked about tomorrow's meeting between India's NSA and China's State Counsellor in Hyderabad, he said a range of bilateral, regional and global issues are likely to be
discussed.